We were having dinner in silence. I took a deep breath and called Desmond,

"Desmond..." He immediately shot up his head and asked with a smile,

"What is it, Ester?" He tried to be as sweet as possible. He can't win my heart now. It's too late. I felt afraid, thinking about how he'll react after hearing what I am about to say. I am afraid he might do something unexpected to me. I mustered some courage and gulped. I opened my mouth to speak but dread was stuck in my throat.

" ...